Inadequate management capacity for biodiversity conservation

A major constraint to the implementation of South Africa's biodiversity policy is the dearth of trained South Africans to carry out the tasks required, and a lack of available career opportunities in biodiversity management. A strong cadre of natural scientists exists in South Africa, but few researchers are exposed to the practical problems of management, or have the breadth of knowledge required to address biodiversity conservation problems. There is also a dire shortage of taxonomists in the country. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the recruitment of black South Africans to the conservation sector has been poor, largely as a result of previous discriminatory policies, and the restricted career opportunities offered by the sector. The lack of capacity to implement conservation measures is particularly stark at the local level where many of the actions to remedy biodiversity loss will be required.